I’ve always been a fan of Mediterranean flavors — tangy, fresh, and full of color — and this Greek Chicken & Orzo Salad Jar captures all of that in one beautiful, layered meal.
It’s one of those recipes that makes healthy eating feel exciting, not repetitive.
I first tried combining grilled lemon-herb chicken with orzo and tzatziki when I was prepping lunches for a busy week, and I was amazed at how well it held up in the fridge.
It’s fresh yet filling, and every bite brings a mix of crisp veggies, savory chicken, and creamy dressing.
Best of all, it looks stunning in the jar — bright layers of Mediterranean color ready to grab and go.
Recipe Highlights
This jar takes everything people love about a classic Greek salad and makes it portable. The orzo adds a satisfying texture, while the tzatziki dressing keeps things creamy and refreshing.
The combination of grilled chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta is hard to beat. It’s light enough for lunch but still satisfying enough for dinner.
Highlights:
• Fresh Mediterranean flavors in every bite
• Gorgeous layered presentation — perfect for Pinterest and Instagram
• Packed with protein and fiber for lasting energy
• Make-ahead friendly and stays crisp for 3–4 days
• Naturally balanced — creamy, crunchy, tangy, and hearty
Ingredient Notes
- Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken: Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano — this gives the chicken that classic Greek flavor and juiciness.
. - Orzo Pasta: Small and tender, it’s perfect for salad jars since it absorbs dressing lightly without becoming soggy.
. - Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy yogurt-based dressing with cucumber, dill, and garlic that adds a cool Mediterranean touch.
. - Cucumbers & Cherry Tomatoes: Provide freshness, color, and crunch — essential for a vibrant salad.
. - Kalamata Olives: Add that unmistakable briny Greek bite that balances the dressing beautifully.
. - Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy, and tangy — it ties the salad together perfectly.
. - Red Onion: A little goes a long way to add sharpness and color.
How to Make My Greek Chicken & Orzo Salad Jars
- Cook the Orzo: Boil in salted water until just tender. Drain and cool completely before layering.
. - Grill the Chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through. Slice thinly once cooled.
. - Prepare the Dressing: Spoon tzatziki into the bottom of each jar — about 2 to 3 tablespoons per jar.
. - Layer the Ingredients: Add orzo on top of the dressing, followed by grilled chicken, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta.
. - Top with Greens (Optional): If desired, finish with a layer of baby spinach or arugula.
. - Seal & Store: Close jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Shake before serving or pour into a bowl and mix.
Serving Suggestions
This salad jar is perfect as a standalone lunch, but it also pairs beautifully with:
• Pita bread or flatbread wedges for dipping in leftover tzatziki
• Roasted chickpeas or hummus for extra protein
• A cold glass of sparkling water with lemon slices for a refreshing touch
• Grilled vegetables or a simple soup for a light Mediterranean dinner combo
Tips for the Best Greek Chicken & Orzo Salad Jars
Make sure to cool both the orzo and chicken completely before layering to avoid condensation in the jars. Use thick, quality tzatziki so it doesn’t water down the salad.
For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight and drizzle a little olive oil over the top layer before sealing.
The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together beautifully.
1
Course: Lunch / Meal PrepCuisine: Mediterranean / GreekDifficulty: Easy4
jars30
minutes20
minutes410
kcalIngredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup finely sliced red onion
¾ cup tzatziki sauce
1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)
Directions
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked, then slice.
- Boil orzo in salted water until al dente, drain, and cool.
- In each mason jar, layer 2 to 3 tablespoons of tzatziki at the bottom.
- Add orzo, then chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and optional greens.
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate. Shake or stir before serving.
Notes
- Substitute quinoa or couscous for orzo for a gluten-free option.
- Add chopped bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- A drizzle of honey over feta adds a gourmet touch.
- Great for picnics, office lunches, or easy summer dinners.
Storage and Warming of Leftovers
• Keep jars sealed and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Not suitable for freezing.
• Enjoy chilled — do not heat, as tzatziki will separate.
• If preparing ahead, store tzatziki separately and add just before serving for maximum freshness.

